Sleep

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Insomnia: The Multibillion-Dollar Problem Sapping World Productivity

From the doctor's office to the office at work, good sleep is often overlooked as a key part of well-being. We pay for that. Chronic insomnia is associated with an average loss in workplace productivity of 45–54 days, resulting in estimated annual losses in GDP of more than $200 billion.

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Environmental Justice, Mental Health Care, Insomnia: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on environmental justice, access to mental health care, why America should stick with Europe. and more.

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A Good Night's Sleep, What's It Worth to You?

Most people in the developed world would fork over serious bucks—14 percent of their paycheck—to avoid the health-threatening, productivity-sapping effects of insomnia. When it comes to sleep, quality and quantity should be parallel goals. And the benefit of achieving them could be priceless.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel, Robert J. Romanelli

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Veterans Health Care, Media Literacy, Sleep Retreats: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on the challenges of VA community care, the importance of improving middle schoolers' media literacy skills, tips to improve sleep, and more.

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Sleep Retreats: A Pricey Trend That Doesn't Have to Be

The growing trend toward sleep vacations reflects the increasing awareness that Americans live in a sleep-starved society. Whether embarking on a sleep vacation or creating one in your own home, making intentional steps to prioritize sleep is one of the best investments you can make in your own health and well-being.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Synthetic Opioids, Ukrainian Grain, the Metaverse: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on countering the illegal flow of synthetic opioids, freeing up Ukrainian grain to prevent famine, the importance of defining the metaverse, and more.

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A Four-Day Week: Is America Ready?

As alluring as a calendar filled with three-day weekends may seem, research shows that short school weeks can have educational and health risks for students, but also benefits for them and for school districts that make the change. Do the benefits of the condensed week outweigh the costs?

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Think We Should Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent? Sleep Scientist Busts 5 Tired Myths

Permanent daylight saving time is widely favored by the public, and the House of Representatives may or may not follow the Senate in its recent approval of such a change in law. But that delicious extra hour of evening recreation in the spring and summer comes at a major cost to people's sleep, mood, alertness, and productivity for the remainder of the year.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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For Valentine's Day, a Good Night's Sleep May Be the Best Gift

With Valentine's Day approaching, many may be pondering traditional gift-giving strategies. Maybe it's flowers, chocolates, or jewelry? But consider this: As we continue to endure the challenges of pandemic living, perhaps the greatest gift you could give to your partner (and yourself) is a good night of sleep.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Why the Best Valentine's Day Gift Is a Good Night of Sleep

There are some habits and behaviors that help promote sleep. There are some habits and behaviors that get in the way of sleep. If you and your partner are looking to improve your shared sleep together, you might start by looking at how well, or not well, your individual habits and behaviors are working for you.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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How Creating a Pillow Talk Ritual Can Help You Get a Good Night's Rest

Working to bolster your sleep can bolster your relationship quality, and vice versa, and individually or collectively, they can both bolster your health. A simple technique can help build a habit around connecting with your partner.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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China's Ambitions, Origins of the Coronavirus, Income Inequality: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on China’s quest for global primacy, understanding the coronavirus origin story, how parents feel about sending their children back to school, and more.

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How to Sleep Better Together (or Not): Advice for Sleep-Deprived Couples

There are many reasons why couples are increasingly choosing to sleep apart. When couples work collaboratively to find the sleep solutions that help them both get better sleep, it can improve their shared lives together in and out of bed.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Why Couples Sleeping Apart Is Sometimes a Good Thing

Sleep occupies a major part of a couples' shared experience. When we are well-slept we are happier, more empathic, better communicators, and better problem-solvers, all critical building blocks of healthy relationships.

Wendy M. Troxel @wendytroxel

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Summer Learning, America's Middle Class, Waking Up After the Pandemic: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on how to make summer learning count, U.S. deterrence in the ‘gray zone,’ why so many Americans are stuck outside the middle class, and more.